Become the Leader you are Striving to Be
Join the elite ranks of KU Army ROTC and carry on a proud tradition dating back to World War I. Our program is one of the top ROTC programs in the country, offering the unique advantage of having all military services represented right here at the University of Kansas. Since our establishment in 1918, we have commissioned over 2,300 second lieutenants - a testament to our dedication to producing the best leaders in the Armed Forces. Enroll now and become part of the legacy of excellence at KU Army ROTC.
Welcome to the Jayhawk Battalion
Becoming a U.S. Army Soldier means joining the world's most formidable fighting force. Our mission is to train, work, and serve together to protect America's freedoms while living a unique and diverse lifestyle that only the Army can provide.
As the premier producer of Army officers, Army ROTC has been the broadest avenue for service driven students seeking to serve as leaders in the Army since its founding in 1916. With more than half a million lieutenants commissioned through our program, we are proud to offer the most respected and prestigious pathway to a career as an Army officer.
Our cadets come from all walks of life and backgrounds, each with their own unique interests and accomplishments. From former student government presidents to varsity sports captains, club presidents to National Honor Society members, our Cadets excel in their chosen areas of interest.
Join us at the Jayhawk Battalion and become part of a legacy of excellence in leadership, teamwork, and service to our nation.
Now 8 Strong: Welcome New Schools!
Jayhawk Battalion proudly welcomes Park University, Rockhurst University, and UMKC to the team beginning Summer 2025. The future of leadership starts here.
Meet the New SchoolsAbout the Jayhawk Battalion, Army ROTC
Army ROTC is a college elective that teaches you the skills needed for a successful career. You'll combine classroom time with hands-on experience and learn leadership and management skills. Additionally, because it's an elective, you can try it out for up to two years with no commitment. Whether you choose a career in the Army or the corporate world, Army ROTC will provide you with the confidence and leadership skills you need to succeed in college and beyond.
What is the outcome of studying Military Science?
- A Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Active Army, Army Reserves, or the Army National Guard
- Live by the Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage).
- Have specific mental, physical, and emotional attributes.
- Demonstrate specific conceptual, interpersonal, technical and tactical skills.
- Influence others through communication, decisiveness, and motivation.
- Operate units by planning, executing and assessing progress.
- Improve the Army by developing people, teams and self.
What do you do in the Jayhawk Battalion?
- Attend physical training three mornings per week, M-W-Th from 0600-0700
- Attend Leadership Lab (2 hours) Thursday afternoon (3:00-5:00 pm)
- Attend a class on Thursday (Freshman/Sophomore- 6:30-7:20 pm; Junior/Senior- 6:30-8:20 pm)
- Help with projects (football games, Veteran's Day parade, blood drives, community service projects, etc.)
- Two (2) field training exercises (FTX) per year (48 hour duration in the Fall semester and 96 hour duration in the Spring semester)
- Attend a 37-day Cadet summer training event between the Junior and Senior year at Fort Knox, Kentucky
What do you study in Military Science?
- Basic leadership skills
- Basic Soldier skills (land navigation, marksmanship, military orientation)
- Confidence and team building
- Army history and traditions
What do you get out of KU Army ROTC?
- A Full or Part-Time Job (Active Duty Lieutenants start at approximately $57,000)
- Scholarship opportunities (100% of tuition and fees, book allowance and stipend)
- Physical fitness
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARMY ROTC This link will take you to goarmy.com and you will be able to learn more about the careers the Army offers.
Welcome to the Jayhawk Battalion! I'm here to help you navigate your journey to joining Army ROTC. Reach out anytime at Lawrence.v.jenkins@ku.edu or call 785-342-1562.
KU Army ROTC By-the-Numbers
Cadets in Action
In ROTC, the thrill of adventure awaits beyond the traditional classroom setting. Cadets have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of exhilarating activities that go far beyond textbooks and lectures. From heart-pounding Helocasts and intense Weapons Ranges to adrenaline-fueled Combatives training, our program offers a dynamic and hands-on approach to learning. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Military Balls, camaraderie-building exercises, and a host of other thrilling events are also part of the ROTC experience. Discover a world where education meets adventure, where classroom boundaries are surpassed, and where lifelong memories are made. Join us in ROTC and embrace the excitement of a truly extraordinary journey.
